Former National Party strategist and political commentator Matthew Hooton has been appointed editor of Stuff's The Post.
He will step into the role later this month, replacing outgoing editor-in-chief Tracy Watkins.
Hooton said he had been impressed by the editorial direction of The Post since its relaunch three years ago and was looking forward to joining the publication.
"Editors need to make difficult and unpopular decisions, withstand pressure, defend journalists, take risks and publish work powerful people dislike,” he said.
"Operating in heated political and business environments my whole working life has provided preparation for this role.
"I am extremely excited to be joining The Post with its team of excellent journalists and innovative leadership and management."
Hooton had worked as a lobbyist, columnist, political staffer, academic and business owner and had been a long-time commentator on politics and current affairs, including roles with the National and ACT parties.
He acknowledged the appointment would likely attract scrutiny, but said The Post had "a proud history, with some of the most disciplined, fair and focused journalists in the country", adding that he "can't wait to get started".
Stuff Group owner and publisher Sinead Boucher described Hooton as one of New Zealand's most experienced political and business commentators.
"Few people understand power in New Zealand as well as Matthew does," Boucher said.
"He has lived and breathed political strategy and spin for most of his career, and he knows institutional self-interest better than most."
Boucher said his appointment joined part of The Post's shift in focus on the intersection of power, politics and the economy.
"In its next stage of evolution, we wanted an editor with energy, curiosity, urgency and a deep sense of what matters to New Zealand," she said.
"Matthew is someone who uniquely embodies those qualities, and he has a clear understanding of the critical role independent journalism plays in the national conversation."
Current business, economics and political editor Luke Malpass would move into a new associate editor role, where he would work alongside Hooton on editorial strategy and major projects.
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